Rideau Sports Centre image

Rideau Sports Centre

Fitness center Wellness center Sports complex Tennis club

One of the Most Reviewed Wellness centers in (Old) Ottawa


Address

1 Donald St, Ottawa, ON K1K 4E6, Canada

Website

www.rideausportscentre.com

Contact

+1 613-749-6126

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (351 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 7 am to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 7 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 7 am to 11 pm
  • Friday: 7 am to 11 pm
  • Saturday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Sunday: 7 am to 9 pm
  • Monday: 7 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tennis (24) staff (17) good (17) time (16) Great (15) great (15) volleyball (13) courts (12) yoga (12) friendly (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Manolo M. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to play tennis. Very friendly staff.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 حمو �. 6 months ago on Google
    They are racists don't know how to deal with people and the owner is arrogant. Do not go there and do not apply for a job with them if you are color. They have many faces and a superior view. Take my advice.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sylvain B. 7 months ago on Google • 229 reviews
    Went for a late breakfast. Food was fine, but not great. Service was like the food. A great spot, and worth a return visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dana E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ambience, staff and food! Such a lovely place to spend the day with the family.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Szymon S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for a swim and food is good but impossible to book a spot for the pool (Covid-19 restrictions) because nobody answers the phone or emails. Called five times in one day - no answer. Again the next day. Staff tries their best but it seems like the majority of them don’t know what they’re doing or what’s going on.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Branko M. 4 years ago on Google
    Do you want to find the perfect place to play some tennis surrounded by incredibly friendly people and a great atmosphere? Rideau Sports Centre is definitely what you are looking for! #BestSummerEver
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Zori H. 1 year ago on Google
    I am extremely disappointed by the new fee of $22.60 for late cancellation. The website doesn’t have any cancellation button even if I want to cancel more than 24h in advance. When I try to cancel by email I didn’t receive a response and when I call no one answered for several hours.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Striker D. 3 years ago on Google
    diverse range of sport options, such as indoor/outdoor tennis courts, volleyball and ball hockey courts. Customer service is lacking, and often non responsive.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hosein A. 4 months ago on Google • 85 reviews
    Please avoid businesses that don’t accept responsibility for their mistakes and try to gaslight over emails by guessing customers emotions. I waited for 3 weeks to give them time to answer to the emails that we were sending but they just blacked out for 3 weeks with no response. after a long time they came back at us calling us angry?! Excuse your incompetence but that’s not how it works when it comes to customer service.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denis L. 7 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    There is something here for everyone. Tennis, volleyball (indoor & beach), padel, ball hockey, and more. There is a gym, a swimming pool, yoga and fitness classes too. There are great fitness instructors and tennis coaches. There are summer camps for the kids too. A great place for the entire family. There is even a restaurant on site (The Bridge Public House), though it has a small menu, it’s still quite good. Plenty of space for indoor and outdoor events too. And it’s all open to the public, with no memberships required.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 RA M. 6 months ago on Google • 215 reviews
    I don’t know if there’s value here for the money. Maybe there is. But I imagine it’s probably better to buy a membership at a city of Ottawa facility. For one, at RSC there’s a small outdoor pool you wouldn’t be able to use in winter. The parking situation is horrendous. The tennis facilities seem ok (it’s what my wife signed up for, she seems happy).

  • 1/5 Brian H. 2 months ago on Google • 43 reviews New
    I purchased an annual pass and I realized that it wasn't something I could financially justify so I called within the same hour of purchase and asked if a refund could be sorted out, with said reasoning. First person over the phone filled a form out for me which would then be reviewed by the "board" and I would then be contacted, no answer in the week. I went to see the front desk person for a chat and I was told that they would leave a note about my situation and then be contacted, no answer. Visited the front desk again the next week, only to be told about the return policy (yes I understood it the first time around) and I would be promised a call from a manager, no answer. I understand there's a return policy which does not allow refunds on annual passes, which I don't really understand why. Even on a black Friday sale it's still over $850 (that gives very limited benefit during the winter for a tennis player perspective). Why is this such a difficult thing to adhere? There's no reason given for why refunds can't be processed and I can't even get someone from an upper level to have a conversation with me about it and now I just have this financial hole on my credit card. Carleton tennis is cheaper and more available for those that want indoor sessions. I'll never book a session at RSC ever again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Melanie A. 4 years ago on Google
    I love this place. The tennis lessons are excellent and the atmosphere is pleasant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kendal Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Fabulous centre for sport, public gatherings and superb yoga classes! Attending the centre is the highlight of my week! Bravo!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 SAMI E. 4 years ago on Google
    The best sport facilities in Ottawa. Has numerous facilities like tennis, swimming, basketball,hockey, yoga,etc. Restaurant has great food and has live music. Great place to spend with the family! Highly recommended
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rami E. 4 years ago on Google
    Great sport facility & great place to spend time with family & friends. Food is excellent and staff are really friendly. Highly Recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keira J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great neighbourhood multi-sport facility! Love all the events and programs, there is always something fun happening. I also love that you can pay for drop-in tennis without needing a membership.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 littleace-tennis s. 6 years ago on Google
    Great club. Courts are well maintained and staff is very kind.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andrew C. 4 years ago on Google
    Everything to do for young and old
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matthyw T. 4 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place, great staff, will be a real pillar of the community in time. Facilities, renovations, and programs all excellent.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Nick 7 months ago on Google
    I loved going here it was 5 stars all the way, but after their announcement for getting ride of the Dome where volleyball, basketball, soccer and other sports were played I'm giving it a 1 I wish it was a 0. They were the prime location for all sports and turned their back on so many non tennis sports by making this decision. Now leagues like ossc don't have a center volleyball location and let's be honest the Dome was full every night. On top of that when they made the announcement they said their was a tennis epidemic what moron uses that word for a sport after what we went through with the actual pandemic. It's completely disappointing that RSC came to this decision they were the best sport for all sports in town. Now they are definitely not.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karen C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place. Had an office meeting there. Well set up and staff were on top of our needs. Stayed for lunch which was good. They have lots of activities to do there. Bright, clean and nice staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Gary L. 1 year ago on Google
    Inexcusable Service We waited ONE HOUR and 30 MINUTES from the time our order was taken until the food was served!! We were a party of four, however, only three people were served and it took another TEN minutes for the remaining food to arrive for the fourth person. Upon attempting to close out the cheque, l asked to speak with the manager; there was no such person working that evening. This establishment should hire more or more competent people. This was our first visit to the Rideau Sports Centre and our last. Save yourself the time, Ottawa has a large number of good eateries, this isn't one of them.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jacqueline O. 2 years ago on Google
    My son practice tennis there I am doing swimming and yoga. It's a great place for the family. They have very good instructor.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam 2 years ago on Google
    Met a friend here for their birthday. All outdoors only at the moment. Enjoyed some BBQ'd snacks and cold beverages at a socially-distanced picnic table. There were about 8 - 10 picnic tables and other seating areas, with plenty of space between. We found a spot with shade under two enormous trees. Lovely place for a bite to eat and some outdoor drinks near the Rideau River.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Nat P. 1 year ago on Google
    First of all let me state that I really wanted to like this place. We live about a 5 minute walk away and having an enjoyable friendly place with decent food that close would be wonderful. We went at about 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon, my first clue should have been that the place was empty, not a good sign for a restaurant. We were surprised that on the weekend they only serve brunch no lunch. We decided to have their Eggs Diablo which are Eggs Benedict with a devilish twist. They come with what they call a pork belly which was this piece of meat where the lean part was hard and over cooked and the fat slimey. They describe one of the ingredients in the dish as tomato jam, really!! pizza sauce spread on a english muffin with a couple of poached eggs on top. Neither of us finished it. My friend described his cup of coffee as the second worst cup of coffee he has had in his life. I was smarter I ordered a beer. The beer is the only reason for a 2 star rating. The waitress asked what we thought of the meal so since she asked we told her. Her only reply was a blank stare.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Cecile M. 3 years ago on Google
    No way to get anyone over the phone, no answer to my emails and when I went there to book a time slot for the pool, I was answered that it was not possible. How is it possible to swim there ??? It's a pity because the place and the pool are very pleasant.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 H M. 9 months ago on Google
    We use this location for group meetings and have always been happy with the service and accommodations.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Flight S. 9 months ago on Google
    How does a sports centre not have drop in basketball going on? Not even once a week? They spam volleyball sessions
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 The TTG G. 4 months ago on Google • 81 reviews
    The tennis programs here are the best, but the parking is awful. Good luck trying to drop your kid off or pick them up. You'll be parking 2 blocks away or lining up in a no stopping zone with everyone else

  • 4/5 Rod L. 2 months ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    Great quality courts and good instructors and programs as well. It gets extremely busy though, so much that without a membership provided preferred court booking access you basically can’t get court time.

  • 4/5 Evelyn N. 2 months ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    Tennis instructors for the adult program are wonderful. It is unfortunate that the website is not user friendly and the registration process is like shopping for a TV on Black Friday. Programs are expensive but it is expected as there aren’t other options in the region.

  • 5/5 Jill Lauren H. 7 months ago on Google
    For locals, this facility is the fitness heart of our community, so many activities, great restaurant and extraordinary staff

  • 5/5 Mary B. 4 years ago on Google
    It has been a great summer and I have enjoyed the pool and the deck for relaxation, swimming and general reading and studying. Ottawa's best secret. :)

  • 5/5 Don C. 3 years ago on Google
    Great oasis in downtown.

  • 5/5 Roxanne W. 1 year ago on Google
    Facility is clean, courts have lots of room and not crowded, staff are amazing! We play volleyball here on weekends. They do drop-ins for $15 for 1.5 hour time slots. A little pricey IMO but you get to meet a lot of great people with varying skill levels. They have ones for beginner and intermediate, but nobody mandates your level so you can attend whichever one you feel comfortable with. Easy booking through their website by creating an account or just call the front desk to reserve your spot.

  • 1/5 HS 1 year ago on Google
    Can only speak to the summer camps here, which are garbage. Run entirely by teenagers, who keep kids inside a hot, smelly dome most of the day when it is beautiful outside. They even eat their lunch inside the dome - on the filthy floor no less. It looked like a lot of desperate working parents just dumped their kids here because they had to do something with them for the summer months. For anyone who has the option, save your money and your child’s well-being and avoid this place. Your child is better off playing outside and eating at a table.

  • 5/5 Theresa B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to go. Good food, entertainment and staff was excellent.

  • 2/5 Pooya R. 11 months ago on Google
    Usually I don't like to write negative reviews but this one was frustrating. I ended up cancelling my membership with the centre after an unpleasant incident in one of the yoga classes. Due to an administrative issue on their side, instead of refunding me they credited me worth a month of membership. I decided to spend the credit at the bistro since I really didn't like their gym. It took a good 15 minute admin work to have them transfer the credit over to the restaurant when I needed to pay. The food at the bistro is ordinary and over priced. I don't recommend this place since it failed me every step of the way.

  • 5/5 Keith W. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place! Wonderful pool.

  • 5/5 viola c. 3 years ago on Google
    We had a fantastic swim

  • 5/5 Grammy C. 3 years ago on Google
    Clean, good Covid protocol.

  • 5/5 sue-ellen G. 3 years ago on Google
    There’s always a buzz at the foot of the bridge thanks to the “new“ RSC. Friendly attentive staff lots to do. It’s like a little village with healthy happy peeps. Thx for the reinvention RSC! Check local times for COVID 19 status. Still open though!

  • 4/5 John W. 7 months ago on Google
    The restaurant staff are nice but have no hustle so tip well cause they need to learn. Also I've been listening to two staff members loundly discuss UTIs in the middle of the deck while awaiting lunch. I hope they are both doing well. As well as Em, that greek guy and Brian get the help they need. UTIs are no joke and should be addressed immediately.

  • 4/5 YuFeng 1 year ago on Google
    It is a nice facility for volleyball. Parking is almost always full and they should fix some of the parking spots to make a little bit more room for others.

  • 3/5 Jonathan Johnson (Jay J. 8 months ago on Google
    Dome is nice. But the AC doesn't work. Floors a bit old but it does its job.

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 3 years ago on Google
    Best.

  • 5/5 David G. 3 years ago on Google
    Had a nice afternoon. Very friendly staff. Will visit again.

  • 5/5 Drake Z. 4 years ago on Google
    Yes!!! Volleyball here is so much fun during the open court. It's super cheap and they have long hours. The nets are set up well and the courts are maintained. There are four courts. Music is usually good. Overall a great place.

  • 5/5 A P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great service and food. Not to mention sports! Support our local recreation centre!!!

  • 5/5 Jonathan J. 3 years ago on Google
    Has a safe procedure for getting clients to the tennis courts.

  • 5/5 Abdulaziz N. 5 months ago on Google
    Courts are well maintained and all staff are very friendly. The surrounding area is perfect for a walk along the water and over the bridge to Sandyhill.

  • 5/5 Samantha C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very professional service from the front desk staff, and from Mackenzie, the massage therapist. She takes her time and puts a lot of care into her work.

  • 5/5 David M. 3 years ago on Google
    The RSC is my home away from home, and in the summer I play so much tennis there my wife and I might actually spend more time there than at home! It's a wonderful place to play tennis. The restaurant is fantastic and service is top notch.The RSC has more to offer than just tennis, including yoga, indoor hard court sports (e.g., volleyball, basketball, etc.) outdoor beach volleyball, fitness classes, and summer swimming. They also have a nice fitness facility with machines. The tennis is amazing. Four year-round indoor hard courts and seven summer outdoor clay courts. It's a gem in Ottawa!

  • 5/5 A M. 1 year ago on Google
    So clean and nice! The kids programs are amazing, my son loves it here. And the bonfires are really great too.

  • 4/5 Kevin T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great sports dome. Washrooms are outside in another building.

  • 4/5 Peter L. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice courts for volleyball and high ceilings. The temperature in the facility was a little cold when I went.

  • 5/5 Pierre J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Place of dreams for the wedding of my nephew Gregory. Impeccable service ... (Original) Place de rêve pour le mariage de mon neveu Grégoire . Service impecc'...

  • 5/5 Svatava P. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool place to play volleyball with OSSC.

  • 5/5 James 4 years ago on Google
    Super nice place. Highly recommend joining clubs there.

  • 4/5 SuzyQ 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely small modern venue, we went for an Anniversary party for 30 people. And the drinks were solid! No watered down spirits in this place. Parking was inconvenient.

  • 4/5 G D. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a very clean nice establishment that has a bar inside it and room for a dance floor as well. There is very limited parking in the area around this establishment which is the only reason why I don't give it a very high rating.

  • 5/5 Duncan K. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing facility

  • 4/5 Guylaine H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good yoga class; Most of the teachers come from the closed Rama Lotus. The showers are super large and clean. We supplied the products. It could be less cold there, especially when you get out of a hot yoga. (Original) Très bon cours de yoga; La plupart des professeurs viennent du Rama Lotus qui a fermé. Les douches sont super grandes et propres. On y fourni les produits. Il pourrait y faire moins froid, surtout quand on sort d'un hot yoga.

  • 4/5 John L. 4 years ago on Google
    Accomodating attendents.

  • 3/5 Fathia H. 1 year ago on Google
    It's definitely somewhere to come check out if you are interested in multisport programs for you or your children. It's difficult to do someone on the 5 it was a little frustrating maneuvering through the site.

  • 5/5 Mohamed E. 2 years ago on Google
    Used to be private now it’s public Enjoy decent meal while waiting your kids or partner playing a game … don’t forget to enjoy the beach volleyball … or simply have a walk by the river and enjoy sunset or rise

  • 5/5 Matías Guillermo del Solar G. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Domo for Volleyball!!

  • 5/5 William H. 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere. Love the service, and there are some decent beers on tap. Food is good quality.

  • 3/5 Sally T. 2 years ago on Google
    Was in the dining area in another visit. It's spacious and the tables are at a good height for someone using a wheelchair. I found meeting area too small for multiple wheelchair users together at an event. The washroom stalls are accessile; but there are no push plates to open doors...and the brick path up a hill is difficult to navigate. Also, one of the boards on the ramp is sticking up. Needs fixing ASAP.

  • 5/5 Joe L. 4 years ago on Google
    Love the big white dome

  • 4/5 Joannie T. 1 year ago on Google
    I gave 4 stars for the only reason that parking is very hard to find. Usually you have to park in the streets around and at peak hours, prepare to walk a bit. Other than that, clean building, equipment very well maintained and staff is welcoming!!

  • 4/5 Guillermo P. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice volleyball courts. Both indoor and outdoor. Bar is good too. I haven't been to the tennis courts and the pool, but they seem to be good as well

  • 4/5 Adnan G. 1 year ago on Google
    It's an amazing place to visit with friends, even for a date it's extremely good. Secluded from all the other places. Good vibes and the service is amazing and friendly. Food is not bad.

  • 4/5 M P. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 1/5 Dalton H. 1 year ago on Google
    Signed up for Intermediate tennis on Sunday over the phone. I show up today, with my tennis racket, on time. Second dome, seven of us. Jorge the instructor doesn't see my name on the list. Tells me to check with the class in the first dome. I go to the first dome. It's a basketball court. If you want to maintain this level of prejudice, go back to being a private club.

  • 5/5 Joshua S. 1 year ago on Google
    Judgement free, really good deals for students including $60 for all access and unlimited fitness classes (yoga, etc) Gym is never full that I've seen and you don't feel any judgement

  • 5/5 Romy R. 5 months ago on Google • 2 reviews
    Absolutely love playing tennis here. The facilities are great, the coaches are excellent and lots of friendly people to play with. I would highly recommend RSC to anyone interested in tennis, yoga or any of the other sports they offer.

  • 1/5 Jay O. 5 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Don’t waste your time with this club. I tried putting my 5 year old daughter in the parent and me lessons this fall(2023), and we only went to 1/2 a session before my daughter didn’t take to the sport. I tried getting a refund or, at the very least, a credit for future lessons/indoor court time but the management denied my request and wasn’t accommodating whatsoever. This was a frustrating and disappointing experience. Please don’t waste your time at the Rideau Sports Centre.


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